Page 8
Celebrating 17: The Legacy of a President
Special Announcement Page 2 | Path(s) to Success Page 14 | Advancing the Mission Page 17
VenturesStevenson University Vol. 9 | No. 3 | Spring 2017
Ventures is published four times each year by Stevenson University for its students, faculty, staff, alumni, friends, and benefactors. No part of this publication may be reproduced in print or digital form without prior permission from the publisher.
Interim President Claire E. Moore
Chair, Board of Trustees James B. Stradtner, CFA
Vice President, University Advancement Stevenson W. Close, Jr.
Vice President, Marketing and Digital Communications and Publisher John A. Buettner
Editor Sherry E. Bithell
Design Atsuko O. Biars
Contributors Chip Burkey, Cierra B. Colón, Alison Cuomo, Samantha Brooke Murray, Ashley N. Reese, Tiffany Reese, Greg Royce, Office of University Advancement
Photography Maximilian Franz, Aaron S. Harris, Nora J. Long, Sabina Moran, Omeed A. Nabavi, Dan C. Siebenhaar, SU Photography Interns, Office of University Advancement
Questions or comments about this issue? Please contact: Sherry E. Bithell, AVP, Publications Stevenson University 100 Campus Circle Owings Mills, Maryland 21117 443-352-4483 [email protected]
Please visit stevenson.edu for the latest news about the University.
IN THIS ISSUE 2 Special Announcement
3 News
16 Advancing the Mission
17 Class Notes
21 Alumnus Profile
23 Alumna Profile
FEATURESCelebrating 17: The Legacy of a PresidentFrom 2000 through 2016, the vision of Kevin J. Manning, Ph.D., transformed
Villa Julie College into the Stevenson University we know today. In these
pages, read about his accomplishments and the positive change Manning
manifested throughout his years at Stevenson.
Putting Students on the Path(s) to Success Stevenson has long offered academic guidance, tutoring, experiential learning,
and other student support services. Now, the new Center for Student Success
houses all of these in a single location—a one-stop-shop for any and all
student needs.
8
14
VenturesNews for alumni and friends of Stevenson University Vol. 9 | No. 3 | Spring 2017
Visit Ventures online for added content, including videos, photos,
blog posts, and more!
stevenson.edu/ventures
On Feb. 3, it was standing room only in Rockland Banquet Hall as members of the SU community performed in poetry and song alongside members of the Baltimore Adult Poetry Slam Team. The crowd cheered, snapped, and occasionally threw pens onto the stage in appreciation. The event was organized and sponsored by the Department of English Language and Literature.
PRESIDENT’SP E R S P E C T I V E
In March, after a nationwide search that began last June
with more than 200 potential candidates, Stevenson named
Elliot Hirshman, Ph.D., as the University’s sixth president.
Hirshman succeeds Kevin J. Manning, Ph.D., Stevenson’s
fourth president, who served from 2000-2016, and Claire E. Moore, who has served as Stevenson’s Interim President since
December 2016.
Hirshman comes to Stevenson from San Diego State Uni-
versity (SDSU), where he has been president since 2011. Un-
der his leadership, SDSU implemented an integrated budget
and financial strategy; raised more than $755 million in pri-
vate philanthropy for scholarships and new initiatives and
programs; and established and endowed its Honors College.
SDSU is recognized nationally for increasing student retention
and graduation rates—rates that are equal across ethnic and
racial groups. Hirshman is currently a member of the NCAA
Board of Directors and former chairman of the Mountain
West Conference Board.
After a unanimous recommendation from the search com-
mittee, the Board of Trustees believes that Hirshman is the
right leader to continue the transformation and growth of
Stevenson and to take the institution to the next level. “He
is committed to ensuring that students from all backgrounds
achieve excellence and go on to personal and professional
success,” notes James B. Stradtner, Chair of the Board of
Trustees.
Hirshman says that he is honored to join Stevenson Uni-
versity’s dynamic community. “Stevenson’s unique integra-
tion of career preparation and the traditional liberal arts re-
flects the best traditions of American higher education while
envisioning a future that serves our students and our commu-
nities,” he adds. “The University’s core values of community,
learning, integrity, and excellence were evident in every aspect
of the recruitment process. I am excited to work collabora-
tively with our diverse community to support these values.”
Prior to Hirshman’s appointment at SDSU, he served as
provost and senior vice president for Academic Affairs at the
University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC).
“Elliot is one of the nation’s most impressive thought lead-
ers in education,” said Freeman A. Hrabowski, III, President
NEWSB R I E F S
of UMBC. “He has broad experience in all types of institutions,
and he commands the respect of leaders throughout the United
States. Most important, he cares deeply about students and
understands the role that institutions play in developing their
skills and preparing them for productive careers. When he was
at UMBC, he showed us just how talented he is. If I had to use
one word to describe him, it would be ‘amazing.’ Baltimore is
fortunate to have him returning to us, and we are very happy
for Stevenson.”
Hirshman is happy to be returning to the Baltimore area. “I
spent a decade in Baltimore and my wife and I are excited to
be coming back. It’s a great place so I really can’t wait to move
back.” Hirshman has been married to his wife, Jeri, for nearly
28 years. A registered nurse, Jeri says that she enjoys participat-
ing in local and national film festivals. Their daughter, Wendy,
graduated from Muhlenberg College and is now married and
living in Northern Virginia. Their son, Nathan, is a student at
the Duke University School of Medicine.
Previously, Hirshman was the chief research officer at George
Washington University and chaired the Department of Psy-
chology there and at the University of Colorado at Denver. He
began his academic career at the University of North Carolina
at Chapel Hill. Hirshman earned his bachelor’s degree summa
cum laude in economics and mathematics from Yale and his
master’s degree and Ph.D. in cognitive psychology from UCLA.
Moore says, “We are delighted and honored to welcome
Dr. Elliot Hirshman and his family to our Stevenson commu-
nity. He brings a wealth of knowledge and experience in aca-
demic leadership, fundraising, and student life initiatives. Hav-
ing worked previously at UMBC and having lived in the area,
he is returning to a town he obviously loves. Dr. Hirshman has
dedicated his career to promoting higher education and is com-
mitted to the success of all students, and we look forward to
working with him and sharing his energy.”
New Center for Diversity and Inclusion Opens
Elliot Hirshman Named Stevenson’s Sixth President
Stevenson University remains a place whose core values are cen-
tered on respecting and welcoming every human being no matter
their ethnicity, culture, race, gender, nationality, religion, or per-
sonal differences. To support these values, the University opened
the new Center for Diversity and Inclusion on Feb. 7. Located
in the Caves Sports and Wellness Center in what was formerly
the Academic Link, the center will be used for student, faculty,
and staff programming as it relates to topics of diversity and in-
clusion as well as club and organization meetings. In addition,
the space will include a prayer and meditation room. Natalie Gillard, who joined Stevenson as the Assistant Vice President of
Multicultural Experience in 2016, oversees the center.
“I want the Center for Diversity and Inclusion to serve as a
platform for reflection, discussion, and insight into the lives and
experiences of individuals belonging to—as articulated in our
diversity statement—all backgrounds, defined by, but not limited
to, ethnicity, culture, race, gender, class, religion, nationality,
sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, physical
ability, learning styles, and political perspectives,” says Gillard.
“This space is for those who know they are diverse as well as those
who believe they are not as it fosters what is most important: the
intentional inclusion of all members of this community. This
space is for the generation of new ideas and the dismantling of
misconceptions.”
Ed-VenturesNow that Ventures is available online (stevenson.edu/ventures), we want to give you the option of no longer receiving a print copy. Simply
send your name and address (as it appears on the magazine label) along with your preferred email address to [email protected]
and you will receive an e-notice when a new issue is available online. You have three choices for viewing it online: on the website itself,
as a PDF, or as an interactive flippable version. However, if you wish to continue to receive a print copy, you don’t have to do anything.
It’s all up to you!
SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT
STEVENSON.EDU | 3| VENTURES/SPRING 20172
NEWSB R I E F S
NEWSB R I E F S
English Professor Published in Commemorative Book
Adjunct Professor in English Ariana Mashilker, Ph.D., wrote a chapter titled “Reclaiming the
Fisherman: Soul Searching and the Subversive in
Oscar Wilde’s Fairy Tales” in the recently pub-
lished Quintessential Wilde: His Worldly Place, His Penetrating Philosophy, and His Influential Aestheti-cism. An Anglo-Irish literature and drama scholar,
Mashilker was invited by the editor to collaborate
on the commemorative text, which marked the
160th anniversary of Wilde’s birth.
“After many years writing and lecturing as a
Joycean scholar, it was a new experience to pub-
Condron is one of many artists whose works are being featured in “SU20: Selections from the Stevenson University Permanent Art Collection,” a celebration of 20 years of art exhibitions on view through June 2 in the St. Paul Companies Pavilion. Learn more about the arts at Stevenson at facebook.com/StevensonGalleries.
Legal Studies Department Hosts Charm City Classic Invitational Tournament
Mock trial teams from Stevenson University, University
of Maryland Baltimore County (UMBC), Johns Hopkins
University, University of Maryland, North Carolina State,
American University, Patrick Henry College, Haverford Col-
lege, Princeton University, Seton Hall, and Washington and
Lee University competed in the Charm City Classic Invita-
tional Tournament Jan. 28-29. Co-hosted by the Stevenson’s
Legal Studies department and UMBC, the two-day tourna-
ment was held in Stevenson’s Brown School of Business and
Leadership, which includes the University’s state-of-the-art
Francis X. Pugh Courtroom. Washington and Lee emerged
as the winning squad. On Stevenson's team, Ruth George and Lindsay Somuah won outstanding witness awards, and
Dorothy Hinson won an outstanding attorney award.
Officially sanctioned by the American Mock Trial Association
(AMTA), the tournament served as a fitting warmup for the
group of teams, which will compete in a regional AMTA
tournament at the University of Maryland School of Law next
month. “This tournament, which brings together talented
teams from across the northeast region, provides students
with a wonderful opportunity to learn the importance of team
camaraderie while improving their critical thinking and public
speaking skills,” said Melanie Snyder, J.D., Professor of Law
and Coach of the Stevenson team.
The Charm City Classic Invitational Tournament is made
possible by the financial support of the Murthy Law Firm.
Board of Trustees member Sheela Murthy handed out awards
at the end of ceremonies.
$30,000 Grant Awarded to Visual Communication Design Professor
Jim Condron, M.F.A., Adjunct Professor in
Visual Communication Design, has been recog-
nized in The Baltimore Sun and Art Daily for re-
ceiving a $30,000 grant from the Pollock-Krasner
Foundation. The foundation is named after the
famous abstract expressionist Jackson Pollock
and his wife, Lee Krasner, who was also a painter.
Formed in 1985, the foundation was created to
provide financial assistance to established artists.
“I’m extremely grateful to the foundation
and legacy of Jackson Pollock and Lee Krasner,”
says Condron, who has taught at Stevenson
since 2008. “The grant provides me with needed
time and space to expand on my work in every
direction.”
Jim CondronLove’s not time’s fool2015, Oil on linen, Painting74" x 80" Gift of the Artist
lish on Oscar Wilde,” says Mashilker. “The unique-
ness of this particular publication, in relation to my
general research, might suggest [to students] the
benefits and rewards of stepping beyond your com-
fort zone and trying your hand at something new
and familiar. I always try to instill in my students a
belief they can accomplish anything to which they
set their mind—after all, the only thing holding us
back is our own hesitation.”
Mashilker adds that she is honored to have her
work shared among such a distinguished collection
of Wildean scholars. She has been teaching at Ste-
venson University since 2014.
| VENTURES/SPRING 20174 5STEVENSON.EDU |
New Heights for Indoor Track and Field
Sara Tarbert Stamping Her Name in the Record Books
Women’s Swim Team, Coach, Finish
Strong
Coach, Players Honored at Eastern College
Football Awards Banquet
WANT MORE? Check out gomustangsports.com and find videos, photographs, stats, schedules, interviews, and much more. To stay up-to-date, bookmark the site and visit it fre-quently.
In just the program’s third season, the Mustangs finished
in fourth place at the 2017 MAC Swimming Champion-
ships while scoring a program-record best 349 points. At
the event, the team broke 16 of the 18 records and fin-
ished with a school record nine medals with two gold,
five silver, and two bronze. Sophomore Colby Stein won
the first gold medal in program history after taking the
100-yard backstroke with a school record time of 59.18
before freshman Melanie Milam picked up the second
gold medal with a first place finish in the 200-yard back-
stroke, in a school record time of 2:07.39. Head coach
John Stuhltrager earned Coach of the Year honors for
the 13th time in his career.
Stevenson University senior defensive back Austin Tennessee
and football head coach Ed Hottle led a total of seven Mustangs
who were honored on March 2 at the Eastern College Football
Awards Banquet at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J.,
home of the NFL’s New York Giants and New York Jets.
Tennessee was honored by the Metropolitan New York Football
Writers and American Football Networks as the Rocky Myers
Division III Defensive Player of the Year. Hottle was recognized
as the ECAC Division III South Coach of the Year. In addition,
Tennessee, senior Billy Lewis, junior Dan Williams, senior
Devonte Williams, junior Preston Addo, and sophomore
Ashton Leschke were recognized as ECAC All-Stars.
Tennessee, named a consensus First Team All-American by
D3football.com and the AFCA, was also selected as the D3football.com East Region Defensive Player of the Year and the Middle
Atlantic Conference Defensive Player of the Year. In 2016, Hottle
led the Mustangs to a 9-2 record and a final ranking of No. 20 in
the D3football.com Top 25 in the team’s sixth season. Stevenson
earned its first Middle Atlantic Conference title with an 8-1
conference record, the program’s first NCAA appearance, and
Hottle was the MAC Coach of the Year.
Women’s basketball senior Sara Tarbert has stamped her name not only in Stevenson history but in NCAA history as well. This season, she set the program record in points and rebounds as well as recording her 2,000th career point. Tarbert also holds the school record in field goals made. Currently, she has 27 consecutive double doubles, setting a new Division III record. That mark also ranks tied for fifth across all three divisions in a career while her 26 consecutive double doubles this season has her tied for fourth collegiately.
The Stevenson men’s and women’s indoor track and
field teams have set a new standard: breaking records.
This season the men’s team has broken seven individual
records as well as the 4x200 relay. The relay finished in a
time of 1:30.86, which ranks sixth collegiately and sec-
ond in Division III. Meanwhile, the women’s team has
broken eight individual records as well as three relays.
Freshman Danika Ani’s school record shot put throw of
13.82 meters, ranks first in the MAC and sixth in Divi-
sion III.
NEWSB R I E F S
NEWSB R I E F S
| VENTURES/SPRING 20176 7STEVENSON.EDU |
by Sherry Bithell
Celebrating 17: The Legacy o f a Pres ident
| VENTURES/SPRING 2017 STEVENSON.EDU | 8 9
THE LEGACY OF A PRESIDENT THE LEGACY OF A PRESIDENT
2000Kevin J. Manning, Ph.D., assumes his role as Villa Julie’s fourth president. A week of events are held on campus leading up to his inauguration on Oct. 28.
2002Villa Julie is named as one of the 2002 “Best Values in Education” in the U.S. News & World Report’s ranking for Northern Comprehen-sive Colleges.
2003Villa Julie unveils plans to build a second campus on Owings Mills Boulevard, starting with the construction of garden-style apartments to house more than 500 students. President Manning is selected as one of Maryland’s “Innovators of the Year” by The Daily Record for his introduction of the Career ArchitectureSM planning pro-cess.
2004Villa Julie opens its first Col-lege-owned housing com-plex on the Owings Mills site with seven residential build-ings housing more than 540 students. The College an-nounces plans to build more housing at the site scheduled to open in fall 2005.
2005The College agrees to buy the former Baltimore Ravens train-ing facility from the City of Bal-timore. The facility, originally built in the late 1970s for the Baltimore Colts, brings Villa Julie’s Owings Mills campus to 48 acres. The facility includes two full-sized fields suitable for soccer and lacrosse and one half-sized field.
2006Villa Julie College announc-es its plan to sponsor the Baltimore Speakers Series at the Joseph Meyerhoff Symphony Hall, set to be-gin in September 2006, wel-coming some of the world's top opinion leaders to Bal-timore.
2007The College announces a $20 million expansion project on its Owings Mills cam-pus that will include a new gymnasium, a new entrance from Owings Mills Boule-vard, expanded parking, and more student housing.
At a special event featuring Baseball Hall of Fame member Cal Ripken, Jr., the College announces the largest fundraising event in its history. "Inspiring Stu-dents, Building Careers: The Campaign for Villa Julie" will strive to raise $20 mil-lion to support the new School of Business, the endowment, and special projects.
The College breaks ground for a new 60,000-square-foot School of Business on the Owings Mills campus. Completed in August 2008, the buidling includes a mock trial courtroom, 14 classrooms, five computer labs, six seminar rooms, and 24 faculty offices.
2008After months of research and deliberation, on June 11, the College’s Board votes unani-mously to change the name of the institution. The name Ste-venson University is unveiled to the media on June 12.
91%
$35
MILLION
INCREASE IN ENROLLMENT
RAISED
IN SPECIAL CAMPAIGNS
The fact that Kevin J. Manning, Ph.D., was a visionary became clear as early as his inaugural address as Villa Julie College’s fourth president in 2000. He said, “We see a world longing for love, children seeking protection,
parents needing guidance, the sick wanting help, nations needing food. …
There are many people who need the help that only higher education can
provide. And maybe Villa Julie College and higher education can assist in
making this journey more meaningful and more possible for all.”
During his 16 years president, from 2000 through 2016, Manning’s
vision transformed Stevenson University substantially, more than fulfilling
the theme for his inauguration: “A New Era for Leading in Learning.”
| VENTURES/SPRING 2017 STEVENSON.EDU | 10 11
THE LEGACY OF A PRESIDENT THE LEGACY OF A PRESIDENT
SU
“ Kudos for your transformative leadership at Stevenson
and for the strong and innovative leadership model you
established for a MICUA presidency. That model has
resonated in the Baltimore region and in Annapolis.
Personally, I thank you for your generous collegiality
ever since my arrival at MICA.”
Samuel Hoi, President, Maryland Institute College of Art
“ You will be missed as a visionary by all and as a role
model of composure and professionalism by those
who have the honor to know you as a friend. ... Dr.
Manning, such a mission seemed like a matter of
course for you... But to us, it was extraordinary, and
every meeting with you made us ask ourselves how
we could also transform young lives for the better.”
Gilbert R. Trout, Director of Investment Real Estate, Trout Daniel & Associates LLC
11,837TOTAL
TOTAL DEGREES GRANTED:
2009President Manning approves the University Restructuring Plan adopted by the Faculty Council, effectively creating a six-school structure headed by deans.
2010The University announces the completion of "Inspiring Students, Building Careers: The Cam-paign for Stevenson University" on December 31, raising more than $20.4 million.
Stevenson dedicates the Stevenson University Archives —initiated by President Manning— the Menning Meditation Center and Labyrinth, and the Harris and Hoeprich faculty houses on the Greenspring campus on Founders Day, Oct. 1.
2011Stevenson announces its acquisi-tion of the former Shire Phar-maceuticals property adjacent to the Owings Mills campus on Nov. 15. The site adds 28 acres and 168,000 square feet of space to the campus.
2012The University signs an agreement with the Maryland Bible Society to curate the society’s collection of manuscripts and historic Bibles, including a rare 400-year-old first edition of the King James Bible, as part of the Stevenson University Archives collection.
2013Stevenson men’s lacrosse team captures its first NCAA title with a 16-14 win over Rochester Institute of Technology in front of more than 20,000 at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia on May 26.
2014On April 23, a 12-foot-tall, bronze mustang sculpture named Victory is unveiled outside of Mustang Stadium on the Owings Mills campus. The sculpture was created by nationally renowned wildlife artist Bart Walter.
2015Stevenson convenes Maryland’s top economic development and education leaders for a strategic discussion of Maryland’s com-petitive future at the University’s second annual Maryland Rising on Dec. 8.
Stevenson University officially opens its new School of Health Professions, its seventh School.
2016
President Manning announces his retirement on March 10 after 16 years of serving the Ste-venson community.
Stevenson celebrates the opening of 200,000-square-foot Kevin J. Manning Aca-demic Center on Aug. 30, providing resources for the Beverly K. Fine School of the Sciences, the Sandra R. Berman School of Nursing and Health Professions, and additional space for the School of Design.
Under Manning’s leadership, Villa Julie College saw a change in name and
status, becoming Stevenson University. Today, the University has seven
Schools and the student enrollment has doubled since 2000. Recognizing
the importance of career education, Manning’s administration made
it a priority, introducing the concept of Career ArchitectureSM, unique
among American universities. Today, Stevenson alumni report an average
92 percent job and/or graduate school placement rate for its students
within six months of graduation. During his tenure, SU raised more than
$10 million for scholarships, improving college access and affordabillity
for thousands of students.
Some of the most visible signs of Manning’s impact on the University
can be seen in its physical growth. Stevenson created a second campus in
Owings Mills, transforming the University from a commuter school to a
residential campus and Owings Mills into a “college town.” Additionally,
in terms of property, the size of the University is more than double what
it was in 2000 with a 500 percent growth of actual facility space. Today,
the Kevin J. Manning Academic Center, which opened on Owings Mills
North in fall 2016, is the University’s largest academic space at 200,000
square feet.
As we look ahead, Manning’s tenure is well worth a look back. This
article reviews some of his many extraordinary accomplishments.
270%
1.2
MILLION
INCREASE IN ENDOWMENT
ADDED
SQ. FT.
Manning’s tenure is well worth a look back. Watch From Strategy to Reality : The Presidency of Kevin J. Manning, Ph.D. at stevenson.edu/Manning
To read the full timeline of Stevenson’s history, go to stevenson.edu/about/university-history.
| VENTURES/SPRING 2017 STEVENSON.EDU | 12 13
THE LEGACY OF A PRESIDENT
Students walking into Garrison Hall South, the home
of the new Center for Student Success, find themselves
faced with three doors: to the right, the Office of Student
Success; directly ahead, the John L. Stasiak Academic
Link; and to the left, the Experiential Learning Center.
It’s like a Choose Your Own Adventure story: Which
doorway should they enter? Because of what the new
center’s centralized location offers, the answer could be
“all of them.”
Although the Center for Student Success is new, the
University has long offered the services that now are all
found in Garrison Hall South. As Christine Moran, Ph.D., Dean of Student Success, points out, what the
center really offers is a centralized location for easy access
to coaching, advising, and support.
“In universities across the country, student retention
often drops between freshman and sophomore years,”
says Moran. “We believe the center’s services and
resources will help students maximize their academic
potential, persist in their studies, and go on to graduate.
For example, our Student Success Coaches assist
traditional freshmen with their transition to college,
educate students about University-wide expectations
by Sherry Bithell
and resources, and guide them through a process of
developing individualized plans for success.”
Additionally, she says, the center gives students a way
to explore other resources that promote their academic
success, such as tutoring and experiential learning
opportunities, and to engage and connect with other
members of the campus community.
The Office of Student Success
Terra Hall, Director of Student Support, was quick to
learn one immediate benefit of the center’s location.
“With the greater visibility of our offices, students and
faculty are more prone to dropping in. We’re between
the Brown School of Business and Leadership and the
Rockland Center, so students walk past us all day. If there
are students walking by whom I’ve been trying to contact,
I can see them and walk out the door to talk with them.”
Because of this centralized location, Hall says, the
center connects Stevenson’s mission of meeting students
where they are—physically as well as personally.
The Office of Student Success, which helps transition
freshmen students into college life, provides a holistic
and comprehensive support network, says Moran. “Our
success coaches help students develop individualized plans for
success and supports them in all aspects of their college lives:
academic, personal, social, and career. The goal is that by their
sophomore year, students are equipped to navigate their college
experience.” During their sophomore year, students work with
faculty advisors who can use their discipline expertise to share
information about their specific academic programs, coursework
requirements, internships, research opportunities, and more.
As noted earlier in this article, retention is a national issue
when it comes to getting students to return for their sophomore
year. Yet Tasha Gooden, Director of Student Success, says
that the office drills down even further, focusing on freshmen
retention from fall to spring—and that Stevenson’s doing well in
that area with a 93.6 percent retention rate.
“Having one person you can go to as a resource, I feel, is
what has kept some students here,” she says. All freshmen are
assigned to a Student Success Coach with whom they have four
mandatory meetings in the fall and three in the spring. Within
the first 10 days of school, the office saw 86 percent of the
freshmen student body.
Gooden, who currently serves as one of the office’s five
coaches, says that the goal is to build a relationship with the
students. “I see the success coaching team also serving as life
coaches to our students. How do we get students settled here
and empower them to make the choices that will allow them to
transition successfully in to their sophomore and later years? We
want to get to know them. If students feel connected, they tend
to do better. We build trust and in return they are pretty honest
with us.”
Disability Services is another resource located in the Office
of Student Success, providing individual services and support to
students with disabilities. In addition, this office collaborates
with various campus partners to ensure equal access to
educational opportunities and facilitates accommodations that
assist students in achieving their academic and professional
goals.
Overall, Moran says of the Office of Student Success, “Our
approach empowers students to take ownership of their academic
success from the very beginning and provides a pathway for
students identify and overcome obstacles that may impede their
individual progress while allowing them to set goals and follow
through on steps to achieve those goals.”
The Academic Link
Building on that model is the office’s new proximity to the
John L. Stasiak Academic Link. Philip Gillett, Manager of the
Academic Link on the Owings Mills campus, says he’s already
seen change for the better, calling the new location “more
prominent.”
Putting Students on the Path(s) to Success
| VENTURES/SPRING 2017 STEVENSON.EDU | 14 15
PATH(S) TO SUCCESS PATH(S) TO SUCCESS
SU
ADVANCING THE MISSION
It also helps with one of his goals, which is to increase awareness
of the Link’s complimentary services, which include tutoring,
testing, and mentoring.
When it comes to tutoring services, Gillett says, students can
actively address their academic needs with a trained, upper-level
peer. And setting up an appointment couldn’t be easier. “They
can stop in, call our front desk, or make an appointment online.”
Maximizing tutors, resources, and the subsequent impact on
student learning success, the specialized courses the Link provides
tailored tutoring for courses identified as being among the most
challenging. For the spring semester, for example, tutors were
available for classes ranging from Organic Chemistry and Human
Anatomy to Introduction to Statistics and General Physics.
The tutoring program is staffed by qualified peer tutors through
the College Reading and Learning Association training program
as well as several professional tutors in particularly challenging
courses. The tutors themselves attend training workshops each
semester to earn individual beginning, advanced, or master levels
of certification. “We’re one of the largest student employers at the
University,” says Gillett. “We have 45 peer tutors, 15 front desk
receptionists, and three graduate students to support students.”
The Link’s testing services cover both make-up exams as well as
exams requiring special accommodations, which are coordinated
closely with the Office of Disability Services. Testing services in
the Link also include placement testing for incoming freshmen
during Mustang Days.
Comprising the mentoring aspect of the Link’s services for
freshmen students is the Partnerships and Student Success (PASS)
program, which is directed by the Academic Link and supported by
the Admissions Office. PASS students work with Stevenson faculty
and staff who have agreed to serve as mentors. The primary goal
of PASS is to provide a one-on-one opportunity to help students
transition to a college landscape.
“We already serve a large number of undergraduate students
through all three services,” says Gillett. “Specifically, since the
start of the 2016-2017 academic year, 758 students have utilized
the Academic Link for more than 3,000 appointments. Our new
location will give us even more exposure, so we hope to see those
numbers continue to rise.”
The Experiential Learning Center
The concept of experiential learning is for students to take what
they’ve learned in the classroom and apply that to real-world
situations. In the Center for Student Success, opportunities to
do so are offered through the Office of International and Off-
Campus Study and the Office of Service-Learning.
Rebecca Pisano Ph.D., Associate Dean of International and
Off Campus Study, firmly believes in the value of experiential
learning when it comes to study abroad and domestic study away
options. “These experiences equip students with firsthand
knowledge and skills that enhance their Stevenson education
and give them an edge in their future personal and professional
pursuits.”
She, too, believes that the office’s new location in the
Center for Student Success can only be advantageous. “Our
new location is convenient for students to access and allows
for obtaining information on multiple complementary
experiences within one centralized location,” she says. “The
Experiential Learning Center is also beneficial in that it enables
our office to host events and meetings about the many study
away options, both domestically and internationally, on site.
We also host drop-in advising hours for students who have
quick questions or want to connect with peer advisors that
have knowledge and/or personal experience in study abroad/
away.”
In addition to her administrative role in the Center for
Student Success, Moran oversees the Office of Service-
Learning, which she calls a powerful form of experiential
education. “It enhances opportunities for learning and
student development—academically, personally, civically, and
professionally,” she says.
Service-learning offers both short- and long-term oppor-
tunities, Moran adds. “Students in service-learning courses
are actively engaged in authentic, hands-on experiences
which help them become skilled in relating theory with
practice, ultimately, making them competent and competitive
in their respective fields, while enhancing their employment
opportunities.”
Steering Students in the Right Direction
The most important takeaway about the new Center for Student
Success, in Gooden’s opinion: “We serve as a compass for all
students to help them navigate successfully at Stevenson. We
can direct students to the resources they need to be successful.
And they can then map their own direction, not just in college
but in life.”
Thanks to the new center’s set-up, a freshman student can
now walk into Garrison Hall South, take a right, and meet with
his or her Student Success Coach. Based on that conversation,
the student could then decide to drop in at the Academic Link
and make an appointment for tutoring or testing. Finally—and
possibly inspired by the visits to the other offices—the student
can walk into the Office of Experiential Learning to find out
what opportunities will enhance his or her education. And all
as soon as day one of class.
As Moran says, “This one-stop-shop model truly helps us
meet our students where they are.”
FIND OUT MORE at success.stevenson.edu
STEVENSON.EDU/GIVING | 17| VENTURES/SPRING 201716
PATH(S) TO SUCCESS
To date, 27 students have received a combined total of more than $200,000 toward tuition.
Manuszak Legacy Endures Through Landmark Bequest
As President of Villa Julie College from 1965-
1999, Carolyn Manuszak was vital to our
growth and successful future, shepherding us
through many important milestones to be-
come a co-educational, four-year institution
prepared take on the changes still to come. In
keeping with her dedication to the University,
Manuszak made provisions in her will to en-
sure the long-term support of students. Since
her passing in February 2016, Stevenson has
received $1.2 million from her estate—the
largest bequest in the institution’s history.
This generous gift supports the Carolyn Manuszak Scholarship in Memory of Dr. T. J. Manuszak. Established in 1998 to honor her
late father, the scholarship assists promising
incoming freshman and transfer students
with financial need. The award is renew-
able each year until they graduate. To date,
27 students have received a combined total
of more than $200,000 toward tuition. “Villa
Julie College and the values of higher edu-
cation were central to Carolyn Manuszak’s
life,” states Marshall Paul, Esq., a former
member of Stevenson’s Board of Trustees and
close friend to Manuszak. “Her bequest to
Stevenson is a testimony to her commitment
to the mission and future of the University,
and it is a wonderful way to see her legacy
perpetuated.”
ADVANCING THE MISSION
Stevenson Partners Scholarship Breakfast
#GivingTuesday = Success!
Send a Mustang Finals Care Package Today
Stevenson University is fortunate to benefit from the
support of numerous area businesses through our Ste-
venson Partners initiative, providing scholarships for
our students. On Nov. 10, 2016, representatives from
these companies enjoyed breakfast and conversation
with the deserving recipients of their scholarships.
Hosted by Eric D. Brotman, a member of Stevenson’s
Board of Trustees and sponsor of the Brotman Financial Group Emergency Scholarship, the program included testi-
monials from featured speakers Tonja Paylor, Director of
Public Relations and Communications at Medifast, Inc.,
and Camille Banta ’16, past recipient of two Stevenson
Partner scholarships.
Speaking about her company’s experience as sponsors
of the Medifast-Bradley T. MacDonald Scholarship, Paylor
noted, “All of us benefit when Stevenson’s students have
the opportunity to receive an education that prepares
them to succeed at our companies.”
We are grateful to these Stevenson Partners who have chosen to renew their support:
• Capitol Office Solutions
• Gross, Mendelsohn & Associates
• HCFL Certified Public Accountants
• Legg Mason
• Mister, Burton & French
• Law Office of Jane Frankel Sims
Kamilah Molyneaux ’17, one of this year’s Medifast Scholars, with Tonja Paylor of Medifast, Inc.
Tuesday, November 29 was #GivingTuesday, or as we call
it at Stevenson, #Giving2SUDay. Eighty-four alumni, par-
ents, students, and friends contributed to celebrate the
day and support Community Service and Service Learn-
ing at SU. As if more than doubling last year’s number of
donors was not exciting enough, SU Trustee and alum-
nus Marc Bunting ’91 contributed more than $4,000
in matching funds. Stevenson’s success is a direct result
of the generosity of our alumni, parents, faculty, staff,
students, and friends. We can’t thank you all enough!
As the end of the semester draws near, Stevenson stu-
dents are studying for final exams, finishing projects,
and writing papers. Send a student a care package to keep
them motivated—and awake—with the help of a Dunkin’
Donuts gift card. Purchase a Mustang Finals Care Pack-
age for $25 and proceeds will go to the Stevenson Fund,
so you can support a student and support SU. Visit
bit.ly/2jj3jDr to secure your care package.
to SU
It may be hard to believe but the end of the school year is fast approach-ing, and with it the close of the fiscal year. Make your gift before June 30 and make an immediate impact on the life of a current student.
Be counted !
| VENTURES/SPRING 201718 STEVENSON.EDU/GIVING | 19
The contributions made by Kevin J. Manning, Ph.D., to this insti-
tution have been remarkable and transformative. In 2009, in keep-
ing with his dedication to provide our students with the resources
to succeed, he and his wife, Sara, established the Kevin J. and Sara G. Manning Scholarship. This endowed fund provides tuition assistance
to deserving first-generation students with financial need.
On June 10, Stevenson will host a gala in honor of Manning’s ser-
vice and accomplishments. As a tribute to the Mannings, proceeds
from sponsorships and ticket sales for this special occasion will help
to grow the Manning Scholarship endowment so that more students
have the opportunity to achieve their academic goals. There is no
better way to celebrate such a legacy.
For information about how you can be part of this event, and
a list of current sponsors, please visit stevenson.edu/celebrate17/
events.
Gala to Benefit Manning Scholarship Fund
Kevin and Sara Manning with their scholarship recipient, Melanie Almonte ’19.
*Sponsor commitments confirmed at the time this issue went to press.
Academic Excellence Sponsor • William Conrow
Building and Expansion Platinum Sponsor • Baltimore Gas & Electric
Career Readiness Gold Sponsor • PNC Bank • Jay and Orsia Young '79
Dynamic Student Life Silver Sponsor • Kevin G. Byrnes • The Herget Foundation• The Honorable Frank and Mrs. Janet Kelly• Gary A. and Joan O. Pyne • Guy and Meg Sheetz
Flourishing Traditions Green & White Sponsor • The Archdiocese of Baltimore • Sandra and Malcom Berman • Brotman Financial Group • Cigna • The Daily Record • Mr. and Mrs. Samuel Dell • The Economic Alliance of Greater
Baltimore • Pamela O. Felton• Hubble Bisbee • The Jewish Community Center of Greater
Baltimore • LifeBridge Health • M&T Bank • Miles & Stockbridge • Margaret Picciotto ‘67 • Sandy Spring Bank • The United Way of Central Maryland • University of Maryland, St. Joseph
Medical Center
We are grateful for the generous support of these event sponsors*:
CLASS NOTES
1957Sue O’Brien Carl cruised the Mississippi River from New Orleans to Memphis on the newly christened riverboat “America.” She writes that she learned of the glories and agonies of the Old South and ended her trip with a visit to Graceland.
1977Robyne Resnick Hock is working at Sinai Hospital/LifeBridge Health as Corporate Business Office Coordinator and Executive Assistant to the Vice President, Revenue Cycle.
1986Christine Clements, Microbiology Lab Manager at Carroll Hospital, was presented with the Patient Safety Hero Award in August. An associate at the hospital since 2014, Christine was honored for her work as part of the Antibiotic Stewardship Team, which is focused on improving patient safety and the appropriate use of antibiotics at the hospital. The award is presented to caregivers who work to create a culture of patient safety, including listening to patients or their family members and encouraging them to ask questions at any time, improving communication and teamwork, and addressing potential safety concerns.
1990Pamela Johnson Caple ’90 ’92 ’02M writes that her son, David, is a freshman at Stevenson majoring in visual communication design. He anticipates graduating as a member of the class of 2020. Pamela is excited that her son decided to attend SU and knows he will have a great educational experience.
1996Joy Keller ’96 ’98 was recently promoted to Court Administrator for Dorchester and Somerset Circuit Courts.
2005Chanel Cottman ’05 ’07 and Andy Anderson were married on Sept. 24, 2016. The wedding and reception took place at the Great Room at Historic Savage Mill in Savage, Md.
Gary Hicks has been appointed to the Maryland State Board of Nursing by Governor Larry Hogan for a four-year term. He is the Director of Education at University of Maryland Upper Chesapeake Health (UM UCH) and is the first nurse from that organization to be appointed
to the Maryland Board of Nursing. Gary has worked at UM UCH for 29 years in a variety of nursing positions. He is a certified emergency nurse and worked in that field for more than 18 years. In 2006 he was named Nurse of the Year by Upper Chesapeake Medical Center and was appointed Director of Education in 2013. Gary also serves as an Adjunct Nursing Faculty Member at SU.
Rebecca Schoen had an exciting 2016. In December, she received a Master of Fine Arts degree majoring in 3D Animation and Visual Effects. In October, she accepted a position at Ubisoft in San Francisco, Calif., as a Collaboration Tool Specialist. And in November, she married Mark Clark.
Amanda McGown and her husband, Michael, welcomed the arrival of their second daughter, Allison “Allie” Jane, on May 27, 2016. She joins big sister Kaylee, who is three years old. Amanda was also an adjunct faculty member at SU from 2011-2013.
2006Jennifer Kinsel is a K-2 art teacher at Homestead Wakefield Elementary School in Bel Air, Md. She received a second bachelor’s degree in art education from Towson University in 2016. On April 1, 2016 she was married to Sarah Groves.
Courtney Sagal was promoted to Director of Operations at Irvine Nature Center. Her previous position was Director of Community Engagement.
2007Monique Couteau Shapiro and her husband, Dave, welcomed their first child, Elijah, in September 2016.
Brittany Rossen and her husband, Steven Brown, purchased their first home in Thurmont, Md., and are excited to move in and start renovating.
Alumni, we want to hear what you’ve been doing!Please send us your news and photos on personal and professional achievements, marriage, family, travel, and memories of your time at VJC/SU. Submit your news and photos via mail to Alumni Notes, Stevenson University, Attn: Carolyn Douglas, 1525 Greenspring Valley Rd., Stevenson, MD 21153-0641; via e-mail to [email protected]; or submit them online at stevenson.edu/ventures.
2008Stephanie McKeithan Hessie is working at Stevenson as Assistant to the Dean in the Berman School of Nursing and Health Professions.
Congratulations to Corey Polyoka who was selected by the Baltimore Business Journal as one of the “40 Under 40” honorees for 2016, a group of outstanding young professionals under the age of 40 who are making noteworthy contributions to Greater Baltimore’s business, their companies, and the community. He is a partner in Foodshed LLC/Woodberry Kitchen. (Read more about Corey on next page.)
2009Tabitha Dean received a master’s degree in Early Childhood Education from Towson University in August 2016.
Katie Seymour Johnson is working as Director of Security at Professional Security Consultants in Glen Burnie, Md. She and her husband, Robert, have three children: Lillian Marie, born in 2013, and twins Sophia Marjorie and Evelyn Ann, born in April 2016.
ALUMNUS PROFILE
Alumni Board volunteers returned to the Baltimore Hope Lodge in December to prepare a home-cooked meal for individuals undergoing cancer treatments at local hospitals. Board Members dined with the guests and enjoyed a winter concert by a Peabody musician following dinner.
| VENTURES/SPRING 201720 STEVENSON.EDU/GIVING | 21
Find Your Passion and Change the World
As he sat in the Student Union on the Greenspring campus
during his final semester, Corey Polyoka ’08 (business ad-
ministration) did not anticipate that the application he was
filling out for a position at Woodberry Kitchen, a locally
owned restaurant in Hampden, would eventually lead to his
role as Partner and Director of Operations of Foodshed LLC.
Polyoka made the decision to attend Villa Julie College be-
cause he was looking for a local liberal arts institution with
diversified courses and a strong business program. He was
also confident that he would find a sense of community at
VJC. As a student, Polyoka liked that many of his professors
“embraced environmental issues surrounding business prac-
tices” and made an effort to bring discussions of that nature
into the classroom. He credits his economics professor, Ora Freedman, with providing “a strong framework for sustain-
ability practices that her students could understand.” These
discussions sparked his interest, and he was charged to make
a difference.
As a millennial, Polyoka felt that he had developed an
investment in green living and wanted to carry that passion
into his life beyond the classroom. In addition to the time
spent in class discussing these topics, he recalls participat-
ing in the annual “Do It in the Dark” event, where students
gather to promote environmental awareness surrounding
energy.
When he was hired as the first member of the staff at
Woodberry Kitchen, Polyoka began working to support the
vision of owners Spike and Amy Gjerde to create a network
of dining options in Baltimore committed to supporting lo-
cal agriculture and preserving the uniqueness of the mid-
Atlantic region. Today, Foodshed LLC encapsulates 10 busi-
nesses across three cities, and the company’s commitment
to providing locally-sourced food is unparalleled. Polyoka
has indeed had an impact on the company’s success, as he
has grown from his role as manager of Woodbery Kitchen.
He has been credited with building a business intelligence
system for financial reporting, creating a bar program, and
much more.
After graduating, Polyoka decided to wait to have children
until he had created change in his industry and in the world.
“Life happened and my children came first. Now I’m mo-
tivated by my family to make a difference,” he says with a
smile.
When asked what advice he’d like to share with current
students, he says, “Upon leaving college, it’s okay that you
don’t have a lot to contribute. Get into something that you
enjoy and learn how it works.” He also suggests that new
graduates start at the very bottom and invest time in learning
about a job or an industry.
When Polyoka started working as a dishwasher 13 years
ago, he did not expect to be in the position he is in today.
“Too often young people devalue the time that it takes to
become truly proficient in the workplace,” he says. Polyoka
hopes that this mindset can shift—and that Stevenson Uni-
versity graduates will be at the forefront of that change.
Corey Polyoka ’08
Stefani Beser and Jamie Read ’08 ’11M were married on Oct. 8, 2016 at The Mount Washington Tavern in Baltimore. They took a honeymoon cruise down the Rhine River from Amsterdam to Switzerland and ended the trip with a few days in Paris.
Condolences to Derek Weifenbach on the passing of his mother, Linda, in January. Linda was a member of the VJC/SU staff from 2003-2009.
2010Jessica “Jessie” Green Fitzell ’10 ’12M and her husband, Russell, welcomed a daughter, Isabella, on May 7, 2016. Jessie is a Special Agent with the Department of Defense and a Federally Certified Polygraph Examiner.
Katie Ballance has joined Junior Achievement of Central Maryland as Marketing Director.
Stephanie Sufczynski and Steven Mark Barsotti, Jr. were married on Oct. 1, 2016 at St. Ursula Catholic Church. A reception followed at Sparrows Point Country Club.
Matt Bramble has spent the past five years in graduate school at UCLA working on his doctorate in human genetics. His work focuses on the genetic basis of sex differences in the brain, and he has recently had several articles published in Nature’s Scientific Reports and the Journal of Neuroscience Research.
Sarah Bressler Bull is working at Stevenson as Assistant to the Dean of the Brown School of Business and Leadership.
Mark Golueke has joined the staff at SU as a Data Entry Specialist in the Human Resources Department.
2011Katelyn Manocheh and Kerry Dugan ’09 were married on Oct. 22, 2016. The ceremony and reception were held at the Hershey Country Club in Hershey, Pa., and the couple honeymooned on Anna Maria Island off the gulf coast of Florida. The couple resides in Timonium, Md.
Suzanne Packard and Paul Kraus were married by “Elvis” on Aug. 2, 2016 in Las Vegas, Nev. The couple resides in Catonsville, Md.
Julie Wajtkowicz married Matthew Main on Oct. 8, 2016 in Pasadena, Md. She is in her sixth year teaching elementary school in Anne Arundel County.
Elysian Richardson and Jeanna Thomas ’11 were married on April 29, 2016 in Antigua.
Sarah Sawyer has joined the law firm of Offit Kurman where her practice is focused on commercial, business, and labor and employment litigation. She represents business owners in all types of litigation disputes and transactions. Sarah received a J.D. degree from the University of Baltimore School of Law.
2012Tamar Rafaeli ’12 ’16M received a master’s degree in business and technology management from Stevenson last May.
Kayla Wilson spent the summer working in the Office of the Attorney General and the Office of the Secretary of State of Maryland helping to draft a possible flag protocol for fallen soldiers and assisting with the draft of a ballot question for the November 2016 general election. She also traveled to Croatia for three weeks as part of the Intellectual Property Study Abroad program offered at Michigan State University College of Law, where she is studying. When Kayla returned to school and her classes last fall, she also started an externship with the National Labor Relations Board in Detroit.
2013Nichole Zang Do is working as a Program Management Specialist in the Department of Biological Sciences at the University of Maryland Baltimore County.
Kristin Giauque ’13 ’15M is employed by the Department of Defense at Ft. Meade, Md., as a Program Manager.
Taylor Zimmerman and Alex Hosier ’12 became engaged on Dec. 10, 2016. They have been a couple for seven years and are planning a spring 2018 wedding.
2015 Andrew McGregor ’15 ’16M will have part one of his thesis research published this year in the Journal of Forensic Sciences.
Melissa Pinkney is a second-year teacher in Prince George’s County Public Schools
and was featured in the Greenbelt News Review for her use of real-life situations in teaching first graders at Magnolia Elementary School. She considers her teaching style to be very hands-on and tries to challenge the students while also providing a fun environment where they can interact with each other.
Callum Robinson was selected second overall in the Major League Lacrosse supplemental draft by the Atlanta Blaze. Callum appeared in nine games with the Chesapeake Bayhawks last season.
Jennifer “Jen” Rosenbloom recently relocated to West Palm Beach, Fla., and is fulfilling a dream of living in south Florida. She is working as a National Account Manager at Wells Pharmacy Network, a nationwide compounding pharmacy.
Tre Seals received the Typography 2017 Award for Excellence from Communication Arts Magazine: Typography Annual 7 for a film poster he designed for Theodore Booker’s ’16 senior project, entitled “Sixteen.” Tre received a two-page spread in the magazine. He was also featured in the Print Magazine Regional Design Annual and received awards for his SU School of Design poster, “Find Your Passion.”
Tara Shishmanian has returned to the region and is working as a meetings project manager at Paralyzed Veterans of America in Washington, D.C.
Samantha Simpson attended the Maryland Council for Teachers of Mathematics Conference in October and along with a colleague presented, “Fostering Proof of GeoGebra.” Samantha teaches at Wilde Lake Middle School in Columbia.
Avery Yancey ’15 ’16M is working as an IT specialist at the Social Security Administration.
Ava Schein ’15 married Andrew Ellett on Sept. 25, 2016. The wedding and reception were held at the Liberty Mountain Resort and Conference Center in Fairfield, Pa. The wedding party included many SU alumni including Johnny Mills ’14, Annie McCoach ’16, Tara Shishmanian ’15, Jenifer Antonelli ’15, Susana Cintron ’15, Maria Zambuto Karolenko ’14 and Chris Karolenko ’14, and J Andrew Cerda. The wedding photographer was Corinne Thompson ’14, whose business is called Love to the Core.
ALUMNA PROFILE
| VENTURES/SPRING 201722 STEVENSON.EDU/GIVING | 23
Making Connections and Building Relationships
Shantell Roberts ’08 (business administration) is no
stranger to tragedy, having lost her one-year-old daughter
six years ago to MRSA pneumonia. Despite her grief, shortly
thereafter, she founded a 501c3 nonprofit organization,
Touching Young Lives Inc., which focuses on the health and
well-being of infants and children.
Yet her efforts did not stop there. Roberts, who considers
herself a maternal and child health advocate, is the Safe
Sleep Coordinator for HealthCare Access Maryland, a posi-
tion funded under the B’More for Healthy Babies Safe Sleep
Initiative. Working with families who meet certain criteria,
including financial and socioeconomic need, she provides
safe sleep resources and education through the Safe Sleep
SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome) Prevention Ini-
tiative. Through a referral program, Roberts identifies in-
dividuals in need of safe sleep environments for children
and provides them with in-home services. The initiative has
been proven effective and Roberts has played a significant
part in that success over the past year. “Through the im-
plementation of the SIDS program, the numbers are going
down in our city,” says Roberts.
“Unfortunately, the numbers don’t look great outside of
Baltimore,” she adds. This concern inspired her to find a
way to address it. Roberts submitted a business venture pro-
posal through the Johns Hopkins University Social Innova-
tion Lab, and was selected as one of only 10 ventures chosen
from 53 proposals. Her proposal was the implementation of
universal safe sleep prevention by way of the Safe Sleep Baby
Box. Baby boxes keep infants contained and well-positioned
for safe sleep, and Roberts thinks every mother deserves to
have one for her child. Through this program, Roberts has
been provided with mentorship, funding, and resources she
would have never received otherwise.
Her academic background paired with her current work
in the nonprofit sector has allowed Roberts to see the big
picture. “My degree and professional experiences in busi-
ness remind me to always consider what a program or ini-
tiative takes to implement behind the scenes,” she says.
Volunteering her time and support to several local orga-
nizations, including the Stevenson University Alumni As-
sociation Board, Roberts finds herself networking constantly.
She attributes her ability to make meaningful connections
and understand the value of strengthening relationships to
the experiences she had as a student at Villa Julie College.
“Building tight relationships with my classmates allowed
us to hold one another accountable. A lot of those relation-
ships have carried well beyond college for me,” says Roberts.
Events that she attended as a student brought together a
mixed group of people from different areas across campus,
and the opportunities to interact with them helped her gain
confidence as she continued connecting with new people
throughout her personal and professional life.
Her ability to make connections has paid off in big
ways. “Think about it. You could meet a venture capitalist
at a picnic and they might end up funding your project,” she
suggests. Or, like Roberts, you can seek out the opportunity
to make a real difference.
Shantell Roberts ’08
Stevenson University’s School of Graduate and Professional Studies offers quality master’s and bachelor’s programs designed to fit the busy lifestyle of working adults. Established in 1947, Stevenson has a long history of providing students an affordable, private education.
Learn more about Adrian’s story at stevenson.edu/success.
The School of Graduate and Professional Studies did a phenomenal job of getting me to a point in my career that I could have never dreamed was possible.Adrian RussoPresident, Equip Solutions GroupHR Entrepreneur & Recruiting Software DeveloperMS in Business & Technology Management, 2015
‘‘Alumni Events You Are Invited
Watch for further details on this and other events in
upcoming issues of the email Alumni Newsletter, or visit the alumni website at stevenson.
edu/alumni.
Have any ideas or suggestions for alumni events? Please
contact Jamie Myers, Director of Alumni Relations, at
443-334-2625 or [email protected].
2016Our condolences to Ashley Flowers ’16 on the passing of her brother, Nicholas Flowers ’14, on Nov. 29, 2016 after a four and one-half year battle with melanoma.
Quentin Jones is working as a Regional Monitor/Program Manager in the Governor's Office of Crime Control and Prevention in Crownsville, Md.
Nora Long is working at Stevenson as an Assistant Videographer/Editor in the Office of Marketing and Digital Communications.
Umakanth “Uma” Raghupathy ’16M is employed as a Business Systems Software Engineer at Baltimore County Public Schools headquarters. In December 2016 he received a master’s degree in business and information management from Stevenson.
Zuryna Smith has started a new business, Smith and Foote Communications LLC, with her friend Dwight Foote ’14. The two decided to combine their talents to assist small businesses with creative and web design needs.
Christina White ’16M received the Master of Science in Forensic Studies from Stevenson in December 2016. She works for the Department of Defense.
In Memoriam:Marianna Ferlita Ashton ’68 on March 12, 2015
Marietta Huebner Barnes ’67 on Aug. 2, 2016
Kitty Franklin Cromwell ’75 on Nov. 1, 2016
Nicholas Flowers ’14 on Nov. 29, 2016
Joan Love Green ’53 on Jan. 31, 2015
Anne Marie Kohlhepp ’68 on Sept. 30, 2016
Joan Ann Lazzati ’80 on Nov. 5, 2016
Christine Talaber Naylor ’86 on July 13, 2016
Gregory Prush ’12 on Aug. 14, 2016
Barbara Gray Stewart ’82 on Jan. 27, 2014
April 2 Women’s and Men’s Soccer Alumni Games
April 8 Field Hockey Alumni Game
April 18
Manning Legacy Celebration
April 22 Women’s Lacrosse Alumni Game
May 4 Adulting 101: Networking Happy Hour
May 15 Alumni Awards Reception and Baccalaureate Service
June 2 Stevenson Night at Camden Yards
Jennifer Trombetta Walsh ’02 and her husband, Mike, pose for a photo with their little one and Santa. In its third year, the increasingly popular Breakfast with Santa sold out in less than a week.
| VENTURES/SPRING 201724
WHILE OUR STUDENTS HAVE THE DRIVE TO SUCCEED IN THEIR CLASSES, SOME FALL BEHIND BECAUSE OF THE RISING COST OF REQUIRED BOOKS—WHICH IS APPROXIMATELY $1,250/YEAR.
The Mary Tourney Emergency Book Fund helps solve this problem by providing Stevenson students the financial support needed to purchase textbooks.
In fact, this year, 28 students secured what they needed because of Emergency Book Fund support.
Make a gift to the Mary Tourney Emergency Book Fund today and help a current student succeed!
1525 Greenspring Valley Road Stevenson, Maryland 21153-0641
stevenson.edu
Home of Career ArchitectureSM
“One generation plants the trees, another gets the shade.” (Chinese Proverb)
The Great Oaks Society takes its name from the oak trees that were rooted on the land that is now the Greenspring campus. Known for their magnificent stature and long life, these namesakes forever connect Great Oaks members to Stevenson University and remain symbolic of the strength and stability that philanthropic gifts provide to the University.
Members of the Great Oaks Society have included Stevenson in their estate plans through the contribution of stock or other securities, through a charitable bequest or through a charitable gift annuity.
To learn more about how you can include estate planning in your charitable giving intentions, contact Meghan Culbertson at 443-334-2227 or [email protected] or Derek Spahr at 443-334-2195 or [email protected].
